Verdict with Ted Cruz

• Trump’s stance on Venezuela’s oil and U.S. role

  • Trump is asserting the U.S. will “run” or strongly direct efforts in Venezuela, with U.S. oil companies going in to rebuild the country’s “broken” oil infrastructure. Trump is quoted saying elections should occur “at the right time” after stabilization.
  • Venezuela’s oil reserves are worth trillions of dollars a...

• Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE)
  

  • The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro.
  • The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations.
  • The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success.

• Geopolitical Conte...

• Daycare & Autism Centers Fraud

  • Numerous daycare centers and autism facilities have received millions in state funding but have no children enrolled.
  • Example: A daycare shut down for violations reopened under a new name and continued receiving funds.

• Home Healthcare Fraud

  • A single building allegedly housed 14 Somali-owned healthcare companies, all billing the state for services that were never provided.
  • F...

• Government Waste and Reform

  • Musk discusses shocking inefficiencies in the U.S. federal government, such as:
    • Excessive software licenses and media subscriptions (often double the number of employees).
    • Duplicate credit cards and unexplained payments.
    • Fraudulent NGO funding (e.g., billions allegedly misused).
  • He emphasizes that the government is essentially run by computers and that reform requires direct access...

• Objective of the Plan

  • Lower healthcare costs for Americans.
  • Extend expiring ACA subsidies temporarily while transitioning to a new system.
  • Shift financial benefits from insurance companies to individuals.

• Proposed Measures

  • Two-year extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (originally expanded during COVID-19).
  • Income eligibility cap for subsidies at 700% of the federal poverty line to prevent wealthy Americ...

• Fraud Allegations

  • A reported $9+ billion fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and childcare programs.
  • Fraud schemes allegedly involved fake daycare centers, autism centers, and home healthcare providers.
  • Claims that funds were diverted to terrorist groups like Al Shabaab.

• Actors and Accountability

  • Somali immigrants are the primary perpetrators.
  • Minnesota politicians (e.g., Governor Tim Walz) for alleged compl...

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 

               Minnesota lets voters 'vouch' for up to 8 others (SEE STORY HERE)

• Allegations of massive fraud in childcare programs and federal aid schemes in Minnesota, involving Somali-linked organizations.
• Governor Tim Walz for refused to apologize and instead advocating for welcoming more Somali immigrants, despite fraud...

• Massive Fraud Allegations (WATCH NICK's VIDEO HERE!)

  • Minnesota has spent $18 billion on Medicaid over several years, with up to $9 billion allegedly lost to fraud.
  • Fraud reportedly involves fake daycare centers and autism centers receiving millions in state funds without providing services or having children present.
  • Example: Facilities licensed for dozens of children but found empty, with windows blacked out and doors l...

1. Welfare System Fraud and Structural Issues

• Based on an op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early in The Wall Street Journal titled “The Biggest Fraud in Welfare”.
• Key points:
  • U.S. welfare spending has skyrocketed 765% since the mid-1970s, now totaling $1.4 trillion annually.
  • If distributed evenly among the 19.8 million families classified as poor, each would receive $71,000 per year.
  • The government fails to count ...

• Hollywood and Media Bias:

  • Cruz argues that the NYT list prioritizes political messaging over storytelling and entertainment.
  • He claims the list reflects elitist, left-leaning Hollywood values and ignores popular, inspirational, or patriotic films.

• Alternative Film List:

  • Cruz presents his own list of 30 films from the past 25 years that he believes are more representative of quality cinema.
  • His sel...

1. Cultural Debate on Santa Claus

• UK museum’s guidance to “decolonize” Father Christmas.
• Santa is criticized for being “too white” and “too male.”
• Suggests changes like:
  • Santa working alongside elves to show equality.
  • Mrs. (Mother) Christmas taking a more prominent role.
  • Removing the “naughty or nice” list, which is framed as colonial and judgmental.
• Links these...

1. Christmas and Its Religious Significance

• The discussion begins with warm holiday greetings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas.
• Emphasis is placed on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting its spiritual importance over commercial aspects like gifts and Santa Claus.
• Ben and the Senator share personal traditions, such as reading Luke Chapter 2 during Christmas dinner, and discuss cultural practices (e.g.,...

• Golden Fleet Announcement

  • Trump unveils plans for the construction of two massive battleships, described as:
    • The largest ever built.
    • “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class ships.
    • Part of a new Golden Fleet to revitalize U.S. naval power.
  • Long-term vision: expand to 20–25 ships, boosting American shipbuilding and jobs.
  • Emphasis on national security, military supremacy, and economi...

To our listeners a GREAT THANK YOU! Without you this would not be possible. We thank EACH and every one of you for making Verdict what it is today and supporting this show. Much more to blow you away in 2026 so keep listening, and keep sharing!

                               &nbs...

1. Immigration and Housing

• Mass immigration under President Biden increased rental demand and housing prices.
• Trump’s deportations and border enforcement are lowering rents and home prices.
• Median age of first-time homebuyers is rising above 40 (highest since WWI).
• Wharton study: “Every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.”
• Recent rent declines (−1.1% YoY, −5.2% vs. 2022 peak).

 &...

• Border Security

  • Illegal immigration reportedly dropped by 99%.
  • $100 billion invested in border security infrastructure (wall, technology, personnel).
  • Claimed economic benefits: reduced housing costs and rents due to deportations.

• Working Families Tax Cut (formerly “One Big Beautiful Bill”)

  • Permanent extension and expansion of Trump-era tax cuts.
  • Specific provisions:
    • No taxes on tips, overtim...

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Trump IS Fixing the Economy

Inflation has dropped t...

• Economic Agenda

  • Promises of major tax relief starting in 2026:
    • No tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security for most Americans.
    • Projected savings: $11,000–$20,000 per family annually.
    • Anticipated largest tax refund season ever next spring.
  • Emphasis on record investment inflows, job creation, and tariff leverage.
  • Goal: “Greatest economy in history.”

• Military Support

  • Announcement...

1. Foiled Terror Attack in Los Angeles

• Incident: FBI arrested five suspects allegedly planning coordinated New Year’s Eve bombings in Los Angeles.
• Group: Identified as the Turtle Island Liberation Front, described as a radical pro-Palestinian, anti-American extremist group.
• Details:
  • Planned attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at five locations.
  • Four suspects arrested in Lucerne Valley while testing bom...